1. Running Head: Learning Philosophy Narrative
Narrative

Aaron Fuhrman
MCOM 520
Dr. Sockman
Narrative
My most beneficial and long lasting learning experiences have occurred as a result of the tutelage of highly organized, caring, and efficient instructors.
I believe learning occurs in numerous ways and I believe it is crucial for an instructor to understand how each individual player learns as so they can gear their lesson accordingly. There are three basic types of learning styles. The three most common are visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. To learn, we depend on our senses to process the information around us. Most people tend to use one of their senses more than the others (Instructor Magazine, par. 1). Too often instructors fail to efficiently instruct players and instead of appealing to the individual, they are complacent in old coaching styles never looking for new ways to approach the athlete and game. We teach so that students will learn, and when learning doesn't happen, we need to be willing to devise new strategies, think in new ways, and generally do anything possible to revive the learning process. It's wonderful to have a good methodology, but it's better to have students engaged in good learning (Hassett, par. 11).
Being able to adapt coaching style as to meet an athletes learning needs is an integral aspect of being a good coach. Just as a coach adapts to different situations in a game, he must be able to adjust his teaching so that time spent with his players are maximized. And most importantly, as stated by college baseballs most winningest coach Gordie Gillespie in regard to being a good coach, You have to like being with kids. Your primary reason for coaching should be to watch young people grow, mature and develop. Sure, everybody likes to win, but if winning is the only thing that counts, you'll never get that deep feeling of pride and satisfaction that comes from watching your kids succeed at life (Gillespie, par. 1).
Another key to being an effective coach is the ability to adequately input and incorporate resources to your instruction. For instance, a coach that video tapes a players pitching mechanics and then reviews the mechanics in slow motion may have a better handle on what the pitcher needs to work on. The same can be done with hitting, base running, and fielding. When technology is used as a tool to support students in performing authentic tasks, the students are in the position of defining their goals, making design decisions, and evaluating their progress (Education Reform, par.1). Athletes will also value the ability to evaluate themselves in a slow motion format. Also, by using tools in technology, coaches can relay information easier then ever. The use of Wikispaces is becoming extremely prevalent in aiding the education of our students in a school setting; why not create an interactive Wikispace to aid children in other areas, such as those that pertain to their sport and life?
Just as important as the approach of instructors and their understanding of the learning process is an adequate facility that fosters the education of our athletes and provides them with the necessary training aids. The ideal baseball facility would have to be at minimum of twenty thousand square feet with extremely high ceilings, long in length, and wide in width. Upon entering the building there will be a counter, a place for business, where fees are paid and lessons are made. I would also like to have a trophy case honoring the accomplishments of the teams and listing all the student-athletes who made honor roll. I would have a section upon entering the building for parents as well. In this section a television, a store that sells equipment, food and beverages will be for sale, and two couches for their comfort will be present. For the athletes, the facility will consist of a turf infield and outfield that can only be accomplished with an open concept. There will be three full size retractable nets that will be accompanied by three portable pitching machines. There will also be three half size retractable nets accompanied by three tees. There will also be six portable mounds; all six mounds will have wheels to aid them in movement. There will also be two back rooms for student-athlete use that will be a place of technology. Cameras, radar guns, video, and slow motion analysis will be the purpose of this room. In the other room, there will be twenty computers, a smart board, and a long table in the center that will foster study groups and or independent work. Athletes will have high speed Internet, access to most websites (some restricted), and most importantly, a place to study! Two days a week, the academy will have a paid tutor available for two hours to aid students. This academy is in place to push our athletes to excel on and off the field. Aside to the technology rooms, will be my office. My office is a place for me to ensure the business is running smoothly, also a place I can hold meetings with my instructors if I choose to.
Why have all this stuff at an academy? Not a bad question, but this academy is trying to aid our student-athlete development in all facets of their life. The retractable screens, the portable mounds, the portable pitching machines, the turf infield and outfield, the technology rooms, the parent lounge, and the hiring of tutors is in place to provide the necessary tools to teach our student-athletes in the most efficient manner possible. When it comes to athletics, having the best training aids available on the market for our athletes is a must. When it comes to academics, having the best learning aids is a must. Investing in the future of our student-athletes is an investment that cant be slighted by the price of a turf infield or even a room of computers. We must appeal to our student-athletes, having a facility without modern baseball equipment does not appeal to our athletes. Likewise, having a classroom without technology does not appeal to our students. At this academy, since it is our goal to develop student-athletes, we must do both and do both well.
References:
Instructor Magazine. Whats YOUR Learning Style? Retrieved from: HYPERLINK http://people.usd.edu/~bwjames/tut/learning-style/
Education Reform. Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students Retrieved from: HYPERLINK http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html
Hassett, Marie F. System for Adult Basic Education Support: What Makes a Good Teacher? Retrieved on April 16, 2011 from: HYPERLINK http://www.sabes.org/resources/publications/adventures/vol12/12hassett.htm
Gillespie, Gordie. What it Takes to Be a Good Coach. Retrieved on April 17, 2011 from: HYPERLINK http://baseball-articles.com/goodcoach.html